My first visit to Canada. Couple in Toronto - standard Niagara falls (never seen it, so I guess I have to go). But looking forward to the 3 days in Quebec city and around. Going to give this canyoning thingy a go. http://canyoning-quebec.com/en/

Have some undecided time in Toronto and Quebec City, any suggestions ?

I'll second Ice's recommendation to wander old Quebec City and look for places to eat. Maybe try some poutine (can't remember if that's more of a rural thing; oh, and it's French fries with gravy and cheese curds, so it's a heart-stopping cholesterol bomb of tasty goodness) and/or Ice Wine. Personally, Ice Wine is a little sweet, but it never hurts to try something, especially if you can get a wine tasting. Again, though, I mix up Quebec City with the more rural parts of Maine / New Hampshire / Vermont / the Gaspay Peninsula and the St. Lawrence seaway.

In Toronto, ask your hotel concierge to find a nice place. I've always had good luck there (I use to travel there for business - somehow, it was always in January, too) with local, non-tourist places. I would avoid the CN Tower and surrounding environs (again: tourists). I had some success with the old Maple Leaf Gardens (and a hilarious story from two male colleagues, who didn't pay attention to the Rainbow flag in front of an establishment before ordering the "burger for two" special). Generally, though, Toronto is a pretty chill place (and chilly, but it IS in the North), so you should do OK pretty much anywhere.

Lastly, if you are going to Niagara and have the extra time, you may want to make the pilgrimage for "original" Buffalo Wings in, well, Buffalo, NY. As I recall, locals avoid The Anchor (the place where Buffalo Wings were supposedly invented) and go to Gabriel's Gate. It's been nigh 20 years (or more) since I made it, but I had a local friend take me there, and the wings were big, meaty and perfectly prepared.

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I used to stay out late and try to walk the Muse home. Now I get up fresh-faced at 7 a.m. and take advantage of her while she's passing out.-Bono

Well, I had mixed feeling about the Falls. They, themselves were breathtaking - the sheer volume of water there is amazing. I quite liked the splash of the mist on the ferry - although it's a bit too touristy for me. Overall, it's a must visit of course, just f'ed up by civilization around.

Loved old Quebec City - and drive up to La Malbaie - had a nice quiet time of it.

Did some 'canyoning' on the way - n absolute must-do !! They have you rappelling down the side of waterfalls, and jump into deep pools of water from rock surfaces - killer, as long as you're okay with splash. Easily the best part of the trip. http://canyoning-quebec.com/en/jean-larose_falls/

Apparently, they do ice canyoning too in winter. Can't imagine how fun that would be.

I've always wanted to go to Quebec City but it's never happened. Jealous.

Oh you should, it's very pretty - and drive through the Charlevoix region when you go there - as picturesque a place as you'll see.

QUOTE (PTC @ Aug 29 2017, 10:48 PM)

Toronto - maybe catch a baseball game.

Ah, no thanks. My cousin lives right near CN tower and the Rogers stadium, on the lake shore in Downtown. But I don't miss the baseball one bit. I one went to a ball game in SFO with the giants, and it was the worst $50 of my life. I guess you need to grow up with the game (like cricket) to really enjoy it.

First time to Canada? Did you try any new foods? Poutine (not to be confused with putain, obviously )?

I didn't. Unfortunately, I am a not a meat eater, so I couldn't get it without the beef gravy - but I really sampled a whole lot of breads, and pretty much any bakery I ventured into made wonderfully balanced pastries, unlike the usual sugary stuff you get in India or the US. They care so much about the food - it was very refreshing.

At La Malbaie, there were even road directions to the best bakery in town! And the coffee, any random coffee shop has amazing expresso - it was a dream. Loved the food, even being a veggie. I can only imagine how amazing it'd had been if I ate meat.

At La Malbaie, there were even road directions to the best bakery in town! And the coffee, any random coffee shop has amazing expresso - it was a dream. Loved the food, even being a veggie. I can only imagine how amazing it'd had been if I ate meat.

that's really cool. i haven't been to that part of China, so it'd be hard for me to give any useful advice.

any chance for you pass by Hong Kong? ryan and myself are based here and we can do a meet up.

Alright. We changed plans. Inner Mongolia is just too friggin’ cold right now. -20 in a tent wasn’t a picnic. I’m mot about to try -30. In Pingyao atm and we’ll be traveling south to Zhangjiajie tomorrow hopefully. After that, probably towards Beijing via the eastern partsnof China. Any advice? Is Shanghai a must see? Loving the trip so far. The Labrang monastery was something else I must say. Very impressive. Some good hikes as well and the rainbowMountains in Gansu were breathtaking.

And the food is just awesome. Tibetan dumplings, mountain noodles, yak meat, street food in the Muslim quarter of Xi’an... it is all equally amazing.

Alright. We changed plans. Inner Mongolia is just too friggin’ cold right now. -20 in a tent wasn’t a picnic. I’m mot about to try -30. In Pingyao atm and we’ll be traveling south to Zhangjiajie tomorrow hopefully. After that, probably towards Beijing via the eastern partsnof China. Any advice? Is Shanghai a must see? Loving the trip so far. The Labrang monastery was something else I must say. Very impressive. Some good hikes as well and the rainbowMountains in Gansu were breathtaking.

And the food is just awesome. Tibetan dumplings, mountain noodles, yak meat, street food in the Muslim quarter of Xi’an... it is all equally amazing.

Meh.

On Wednesday my wife and I are going downtown for the Christmas market, and lunch in Chinatown. Dim sum!

Alright. We changed plans. Inner Mongolia is just too friggin’ cold right now. -20 in a tent wasn’t a picnic. I’m mot about to try -30. In Pingyao atm and we’ll be traveling south to Zhangjiajie tomorrow hopefully. After that, probably towards Beijing via the eastern partsnof China. Any advice? Is Shanghai a must see? Loving the trip so far. The Labrang monastery was something else I must say. Very impressive. Some good hikes as well and the rainbowMountains in Gansu were breathtaking.

And the food is just awesome. Tibetan dumplings, mountain noodles, yak meat, street food in the Muslim quarter of Xi’an... it is all equally amazing.

wow brfc, i must say, you are quite the adventurer. you and the missus. believe it or not, i've never actually been to that part of China. Shanghai is a must if you wanna see the modern/ city side of China, but it looks like you've been having a blast enjoying the natural scenery, so i wouldn't say it's a must. sorry that i'm not able to provide much insight, but glad to know that you're enjoying yourselves.